Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-10-09
The Victim of webster.

The Victim of webster.
boston Saturday Evening Gazette.l
l think years ago I wrote for the
Gazette my personal recollections OF
DR.. Parkman, the victim of Professor
Webster. Fifty years ago my father,
then q teacher in the public schools,
was a sort Of confdant of George Park
man, while at the same time his only
son was q fellow-pupil with me
in the old Latin school. The
Doctor had passed years in
France, during which time he had
walked the hospitals of Paris, and Mt q
period when the Napoleonic code made
hospital service of great value to stu
dents. Viyisection was then reduced
to q scientific practice. DIR. George
Parkman returned to this country with
ascientific reputation which placed him
in advance of every one. Yet he de-
clined to follow his profession, except
in rare cases, when he gave his advice
and his services gratis.
There are many living who will re-
member the smallpox scare OF 1851.
1t made its ravages principally Mt the
West End. Dr. PGrkman was tho first
to suggest a remedy, and was aided by
DR.. j. V. G. Smith, at that time city
physician and afterward mayor. A
smallpox hospital was established on
premises owned 10y DIR. Parkman, lead
ing off from Cambridge street. Such a
howl of indignation as was then sent up
by the residents in that vicinity was
never before heard.
1t was on this account principally
that DIR. George Parkman secured the
dislike of the poorer classes then resi-
dent in that vicinity. 4 large amount
OF property, extending from Bridge
street to Charles river, including the
northerly side of Cambridge street and
tho old Appleton organ building,
formerly "Parkman Market" had
come to the Doctor by inheritance.
At the period of which l write, say
1910. the section of Cambridge street
between Bridge street and the river,
and going back northward as far as the
lines of the Massachusetts, Hospital
grounds, was largely utilized for busi-
ness and manufacturing purposes.
There was the West Boston iron-foun-
dry, carried on by the Fuller Brothers ;
the Appleton organ-works, already al-
luded to the shop Of Cummings, the
celebrated blacksmith the wood and
lumber wharves Of jackson & White
and Stone q Adams and the large
wholesale grocery Of Stone & Crosby.
The city had not then decided to ex-
tend Charles street along the river line
toward Cragie's bridge. The first i'm
proyement was that consequent to erect
ing the Medical College on grounds be-
longing to Parkman, and to the cree
ton of which think he largely con-
tributed. Here again the people raised
hue and cry against DR.. Parkman,
but. in his quiet way. he conquered OPP
position.
l recall one incident rs showing the
power Or. Parkman had-magnet'c
power | suppose it would be called.
Wait, the master mason, and then very
popular at the West End, was erecting
block of buildings alongside OF a
block being erected by DR.. Parkmln.
The walls of the latter had not been
well secured, and one night they fell
upon the walls OF Waits block and
crushed them. There was no re-
course in law. Tho next morning
Wait was discussing the matter
in the grocery store of Madison
Beal, at the corner of Southlc and
West Centre streets. He had a willing
and an appreciative audience as he was
holding up the Doctor to scorn and
ridicule. "Where shall get my
pay ?" he exclaimed "the ID old
penurious wretch won't give me a
cent !" Wait had his back to the door.
Parkman entered unperceived. Wait
finished, turned, and saw Parkman.
mir. Wait" said Parkman, "there
was some damage done to your build
ing last night. How much ?" More
ID sight than You will ever
pay =" exclaimed Wait. "Don't
know, don't know" rejoined the
Doctor quietly. VIII you give
me the amount 2" Wait was
thunderstruck he went to the desk and
wrote it out, handed it to Parkman,
who Immediately filed out a check for
the same, and, handing it to Wait, re-
marked "Very sorry, very sorry,
Mr.. Wait ; will that satisfy you ?" 1t
was for more than the claim. The
Doctor quietly lett. Wait afterward, in
relating it, said: "You could have
knocked me down with feather no
man shall ever say word against DIR.
Parkman in my presence. This was
the real character Of Dr. George Park
man-just and honorable to degree,
but exacting to mill.
What has brought up these memo
ries Of man whom always respect
ed? The fire last week which de-
stroyed the old shanties used for sta
bling, etc., on the premises within the
area OF north Grove street, Ashton
Place, and Fruit street, owned by the
Parkman heirs. 1t is q good oppor-
tunity now for the city to utilize the
area as II desired to do when it built
the jail and established the city
wharves along the river line. The pc
culiarity Of DIR. Parkman was TO own
Just such property, and II is probable
that the present representative inherits
the same idea, with this difference-the
old Doctor looked personally after the
condition OF his property and had a
deep interest in the welfare OF his
tenants.